This once-isolated country is replacing its fleet of buses cobbled together from the shells of World War II-era Chevy trucks. NBC News' Ian Williams reports on this antique roadshow on wheels that is being swept away by rapid change.By Ian Williams, NBC NewsYANGON, Myanmar -- U Ming Kyi affectionately tapped the hood of his dilapidated bus. “Of course I’ll be sad to see it go. They are really reliable. The brakes are great,” he said.
But on this particular morning, bus No. 61 from North Dagon to San Pya market was not cooperating. The engine screeched and smoked as U Ming sat behind the wheel, turning the key and willing it to life.
He gave up and glanced back at the passengers. As if on cue - and clearly well practiced - several jumped from the bus and began pushing until it spluttered, gasped, then finally roared to life.
Bus no 61 was on its way across the north of Yangon, as it has been for decades.
NBCNews